Monday, January 25, 2010

Like a River in my Soul

This post is part of today's One Word Blog Carnival…hop over to Bridget's to read more posts about this week’s word-peace.

Once upon a time there lived a happy family. They made their home in a place where rivers run into the bay...s
ome of the happiest days and hours and moments of their lives were spent aboard their boat on one such river. The boat was always squeaky clean since the Mr. Captain loved to polish and shine. And there were food and drinks aplenty on this boat because the Mrs. First Mate saw that it was so.

The mermaid child and the golden haired miss…. they are there too in the river memories. Their tote bags packed with hats and books…brightly colored towels, flipflops and sunscreen. The mermaid child and the golden haired miss…the fair skinned beauties.

Bumpers stored, hats tightened, ropes let loose. A careful hand on the wheel as the boat slipped from the dock and floated gently down the river. There was a place where the river grew wide and it soon came into view. Everybody holding on?” was yelled over the wind and the water and the engine as the Mr. Captain accelerated and the boat seemed to fly. The happy family would laugh and let the wind blow their hair and the sun hit their faces and the water splash their skin until the flying slowed and they were once more floating round one bend and then another. The Mr. Captain knew the river well, where the water ran deep and the sand ran high.

And then they were there. In Red House Cove. No other boats, no other people, just still water and soft silence. The quiet hum of the boat's motor settled as the anchor was dropped and they let the silence of this space wash over them all. How lucky they were. So very many boaters on the river near the bay, but not here... Red House Cove was like a secret space, unspoiled and serene.

The sun rose higher and the air grew sticky and hot. They spent time swimming and napping and thinking. They watched a blue heron whose home was in the marshy grass at the waters edge. They had long talks and they made big plans. Worries seemed smaller here…dreams seemed more than possible. And in this place of quiet beauty God felt close enough to touch.

The clock ticked and the anchor was lifted. With reluctance the slow ride back began. They liked to watch the water sparkle as the sun danced one final waltz upon her surface. They marveled at God’s creative genius streaked like paint across a fiery sky. They wondered how a world could ever deny Him...'The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of His hand.' Psalm 19:1

Peace wrapped itself around each one like a warm soft blanket. It settled in the soul. No words were needed. None were spoken.

15 comments:

  1. God was indeed close enough to touch. He usually is. Beautiful story.

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  2. Lovely story and description! Felt like I was there. Sounds like wonderful memories.

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  3. Beautiful story and yes, very peaceful! Your description made me able to feel like I was there as well.

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  4. Lovely! I could feel the peace you all shared during that wonderful memory. God is good!

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  5. You are a gifted writer my Friend. This was awesome!

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  6. Thank you for reminding us that God is all around us, especially in nature, in our relationships, and in our memories, too.

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  7. I loved that story, Joyce, especially the thoughtful way in which it was written. You have a lovely way with words. I join the others in feeling as though I was there with you on that boat.

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  8. I like Glynn's comment. Beautiful story and such sweet girls! (Love the blond highlights from being kissed by the sun!)

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  9. You are such a creative writer. I especially like the part where you questioned how the world could deny God when the evidence of Him is everywhere in His creation. Sweet story!

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  10. There is something about the combination of water and worship, huh?
    I could sense it. The wonder and peace.

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  11. What a beautiful story of a beautiful family sharing beautiful memories awash in God's beauty.

    Thank you!

    Louise

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  12. What an adorable picture of the girls!

    You are such a gifted writer Joyce. Simply beautiful.

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  13. What a sweet picture of your girls. Joyce, you are such an awesome writer, as I have said before. You really have a way with words. Beautiful story! Love & blessings from NC!

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  14. I felt myself relaxing a bit more as I read your post, Joyce, your words so descriptive in telling of your family's trip down the river. *sigh* It was all so easy to imagine and I loved the sweet tags you gave to your husband and daughters AND yourself! You're a beautiful writer!

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